PhD Studentship 2026 – Investigating Emerging Disease Threats to UK Oilseed Rape

The University of Hertfordshire has announced a fully funded PhD studentship for 2026 focusing on emerging fungal disease threats to UK oilseed rape crops. The project will be conducted in collaboration with Rothamsted Research and ADAS UK Ltd.

This PhD project offers 4 years of full funding, including a tax-free stipend of £20,780 per year plus tuition fees. The research will focus on understanding fungal pathogens affecting oilseed rape production, a major crop in the UK..

Apply for a fully funded PhD Studentship 2026 at the University of Hertfordshire in Microbiology and Crop Protection

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How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Prepare all required documents.

2. Complete the PhD application form.

3. Email your application to the Doctoral College.

4. Ask referees to send reference letters separately.

📧 Application Email:
doctoralcollegeadmissions@herts.ac.uk

For application guidance visit the doctoral college page:
https://www.herts.ac.uk/research/research-degrees-and-doctoral-college

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Completed application form

• Two academic references

• Degree certificates and transcripts

• Personal statement

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PhD Studentship Details

• Qualification Type: PhD

• Subject Area: Microbiology & Crop Protection

• University: University of Hertfordshire

• Location: Hatfield (College Lane Campus)

• Program Duration: 4 Years (Full Time)

• Start Date: 1 September 2026

• Funding: £20,780 annual stipend + full tuition fees

• Application Deadline: 10 March 2026

Funding Benefits

The successful candidate will receive:

• £20,780 tax-free annual stipend

• Full tuition fee coverage

• 4 years of funding

• Research training and industry experience

Funding is provided by:

• University of Hertfordshire

• Agricultural research charities

Last Date:

10 March 2026

Original Advertisement is at the end of this page

Eligibility Criteria

Essential Requirements

Applicants must have:

• BSc Degree in:

  • Biological Sciences

  • Biochemistry

  • Bioinformatics

  • Genetics

  • Molecular Biology

  • Related disciplines

• Minimum First Class or Upper Second Class (2:1) Honours

Desirable Qualification

• MSc (Research or taught) in relevant biological sciences field.

Applicant Eligibility

This PhD studentship is available for:

• UK students only

• Applicants with permanent UK residency

Project Overview

Oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is the third most important arable crop in the UK, but its production is increasingly threatened by climate change, pests, and fungal diseases.

One of the most damaging diseases affecting this crop is Phoma stem canker, which causes annual yield losses of approximately £60–70 million in the UK. The disease is caused by fungal pathogens including:

• Leptosphaeria maculans (Lm)

• Leptosphaeria biglobosa (Lb)

Recent studies show that new virulent races of Lm are overcoming resistance genes, while a new subclade of Lb known as Lbc has recently been detected in the UK.

This research project aims to:

• Study changes in fungal pathogen populations

• Understand mechanisms behind disease outbreaks

• Improve crop disease management strategies

Supervisors

The PhD will be supervised by leading researchers from multiple institutions:

University of Hertfordshire

• Prof Yongju Huang

• Dr Chinthani Karandeni Dewage

Rothamsted Research

• Prof Jon West

• Dr Kevin King

ADAS UK Ltd

• Dr Faye Ritchie

Students will also gain industry experience through a placement with ADAS UK Ltd.